2016 Canada First World War Somme Offensive Coloured $20 Silver Proof

Description

This 2016 $20 fine silver coin is the third coin in the First World War Battlefront Series.  Struck in a near flawless proof finish with selective gold plating over an engraved surface, this coin commemorates Canada’s role in the First World War and marks the 100th anniversary of the Somme Offensive.  The coin weighs just over one ounce of pure silver, and has a limited mintage of 10,000 coins.  As a pure silver coin struck by the Royal Canadian Mint, this item is HST/GST exempt.

The Design:

The design by Canadian artist Glen Loates recreates a first person perspective as soldiers push forward towards enemy lines during the Somme Offensive of 1916.  With bayonets fixed on their rifles, soldiers go “over the top” and prepare to engage the enemy.  To the left a sergeant turns to shout encouragement to his men.  The viewer instantly feels a sense of overwhelming danger that hung over these brave individuals that pressed on. A ghostly image of a young Canadian soldier looks onto the battle field scene, a reminder of the great number of casualties suffered in the Somme Offensive.  The lower portion of this poignant image is framed by a banner; in its center, selective gold plating showcases the winged figure of “Victory,” as it appeared on the Victory Medal that was awarded to the allied soldiers of the First World War.

The coin is engraved with the word “CANADA,” the date “1916” on one side of the coin and “2016” on the other ” and the words “The Somme Offensive” “La Bataille De La Somme”.  On the back of the coin is a selective gold portrait of King George V.